Senators shoot down a bill allowing people to carry guns in public in South Carolina without a permit. The Senate Judiciary Committee refused to advance the measure to the full Senate by a vote of 4-17 on Tuesday. It's rare for legislators to defeat a bill outright. Currently, only people who hold a concealed weapon permit can carry a gun in public, and the gun must remain concealed. Training is required. The legislation sponsored by Sen. Lee Bright of Roebuck, who's running for U.S. Senate, would have deleted the need for training and a permit. Gun enthusiasts argue such steps are against their constitutional rights. Republican Gov. Nikki Haley said earlier this month she would sign the bill if it reached her desk. Opponents included law enforcement.

COLUMBIA, S.C. —

Senators shoot down a bill allowing people to carry guns in public in South Carolina without a permit.

The Senate Judiciary Committee refused to advance the measure to the full Senate by a vote of 4-17 on Tuesday. It's rare for legislators to defeat a bill outright.

Currently, only people who hold a concealed weapon permit can carry a gun in public, and the gun must remain concealed. Training is required.

The legislation sponsored by Sen. Lee Bright of Roebuck, who's running for U.S. Senate, would have deleted the need for training and a permit. Gun enthusiasts argue such steps are against their constitutional rights. Republican Gov. Nikki Haley said earlier this month she would sign the bill if it reached her desk.